We partner with Rewilding Britain to help protect our natural spaces for future adventures.
All centres are vetted for safety and quality. Your adventure is in good hands with adventuro.
About the centre
Newton Abbot
Operated by Aquila Outdoor Adventures, a partner of adventuro.




Gain confidence and ability for countryside and moorland walking with this Mountain Training Hill Skills course. Training covers planning, navigation, clothing, equipment, and basic outdoor safety to ensure you can enjoy the hills independently. Options range from half-day taster sessions to full-day and overnight experiences, making it suitable for beginners or those seeking extra skills for independent walking.
2day sessions begin with an introduction to hill walking basics, route planning, and essential clothing and equipment. You will complete a short outdoor walking session on trails or gentle moorland paths, practising basic navigation, pace management, and route following.
include approximately 4–5 hours outdoors, combining navigation exercises, route planning, and practical demonstrations on clothing, equipment, and emergency procedures. Indoor sessions cover theoretical topics such as weather interpretation, planning, and safety. Breaks are included for discussion and review of learning points.
Dartmoor offers varied terrain ideal for hill skills training, including open moorland, valleys, tors, and wooded areas. Trails range from clear paths to rough underfoot conditions, providing realistic practice for navigation, route choice, and pacing.
Outdoor areas are used for practical exercises, emergency procedures, and camping preparation. The combination of terrain ensures a structured and comprehensive learning experience across all course options.
No previous hill walking experience is required, though comfort on uneven terrain and moderate fitness will enhance enjoyment.
Participants should bring suitable walking boots, layered clothing, waterproofs, a rucksack, food, and drinks. Maps, compasses, and training equipment are provided for all practical exercises, and instructors offer guidance for personal kit for future independent walks.
Qualified and experienced Mountain Training instructors deliver structured, practical, and approachable teaching. Personalised feedback ensures participants develop confidence, navigation skills, and independence in outdoor environments.
Dartmoor’s diverse landscape provides a safe yet challenging training environment. From open moorland to valleys and tors, exercises are designed to progressively build skill, judgement, and confidence. National accreditation through Mountain Training ensures a recognised standard of learning, leaving participants ready to explore UK hills safely and independently.
For more information contact us before making your booking
No prior experience is required. The course is designed for beginners or those with limited confidence who want to learn how to plan, navigate, and manage their walks.
Instructors guide you through all essential skills, ensuring you can participate safely and enjoyably on any course option.
Participants encounter a variety of terrain, including footpaths, moorland, valleys, tors, and wooded areas. Ground may be uneven or rough underfoot, offering realistic practice for navigation, pacing, and route choice.
Exercises are designed to expose participants to the challenges of independent walking while remaining safe and supported by instructors.
Full-day sessions require moderate fitness for walking on uneven terrain, with frequent breaks included.
Overnight courses involve extended walking and camping tasks, so a higher level of fitness and stamina is beneficial, though all sessions are paced for learning rather than endurance.
Walking boots, layered clothing, waterproofs, and a rucksack are essential. Participants should bring food and water for the day.
Maps, compasses, and other training equipment are provided, and instructors advise on personal kit for future independent walking.
Yes, navigation is central to the course. Participants practise map reading, compass use, and route planning for all levels of terrain.
Digital mapping techniques are also introduced, with guidance on choosing and using equipment safely and effectively.